Stanford routs Gophers in NIT title game

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Bright came off the bench to spark Stanford to an NIT title.

The sophomore point guard had 15 points and six assists in Thursday’s 75-51 rout of Minnesota to earn most outstanding player honors, energizing the Cardinal just as the coaches had hoped when they took him out of the starting lineup in mid-February.

“I give him all the credit, because it takes a player buying into something like that before it works, and he bought into his role,” coach Johnny Dawkins said. “When he comes in, he brings us energy. ... I think it’s hard for teams to prepare for him because he’s not out there right away. When he comes in, it gives us a big lift, and it gives our kids confidence in what they can do.”

Both teams got off to a strong start, but then Stanford turned up the defensive pressure, and when the Golden Gophers (23-15) had good looks, they couldn’t make them. Sixth-seeded Minnesota missed 16 of its last 19 field goals in the first half.

“When you’re missing shots like that, you get a little frustrated or you pick up a foul ... you’re a little discouraged,” coach Tubby Smith said.

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